Democrats eye key Obamacare deadline as government shutdown enters 4th week
A looming deadline in the ongoing government shutdown is being eyed by Democrats as an inflection point for millions of Americans, though the fiscal standoff shows no signs of slowing.Nov....
By Fox News · Fox News
A looming deadline in the ongoing government shutdown is being eyed by Democrats as an inflection point for millions of Americans, though the fiscal standoff shows no signs of slowing. Nov. 1 marks the first day of open enrollment for Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Democrats have warned for weeks that healthcare premium prices are expected to skyrocket for Americans who rely on the program if Obamacare subsidies that were enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic, set to expire at the end of 2025, are not extended. That extension has emerged as the left’s main demand in the shutdown fight, now in its fourth week. Democrats have largely refused to agree to any spending bill that does not extend the subsidies. 'THE PANDEMIC'S OVER': GOP, DEM SENATORS SPAR ON CAMERA OVER COSTLY OBAMACARE SUBSIDIES "In just a matter of a week or so, tens of millions of Americans are going to wake up to the reality, because of the open enrollment period beginning on November 1st, that their premiums, co-pays, and deductibles are about to explode," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told reporters on Thursday. "In many cases, everyday Americans having to pay $1,000 or $2,000 more per month in order to access health insurance that's affordable, and many people are going to have to go without the ability to see a doctor. The Republican health care crisis grows more urgent by the day." He denied on Wednesday that Democrats were using healthcare as a "strategy" to win the shutdown, however, telling reporters, "Our position is not about strategy … What we're focused on as Democrats is making a difference in the lives of the American people." But the looming enrollment period does appear to be an inflection point that could potentially turn the tide for Democrats — and both sides are paying attention. "It looks like, at least right now, what they're simply doing is trying to keep the government shut down long enough to get past the enrollment deadline so they c…